Entry age is the insured’s age when a life or annuity contract is issued and used to calculate premium rates, benefits, or policy values. In simple terms, it is the age the insurer locks in when the policy starts.
Why entry age matters
Age is one of the main pricing variables in life insurance and annuities. A lower entry age usually means:
- lower life insurance premiums for the same face amount
- more time for cash value to build
- different nonforfeiture values over time
Insurers do not always measure age the same way. Some use age last birthday, while others use age nearest birthday. That can change the premium even when the applicant is only a few months older.
Underwriting and contract effects
Entry age interacts with other policy mechanics:
- premium tables are often age-based
- contestable-period and policy-year calculations start from issue, not from a later claim date
- a misstatement of age can lead to benefit adjustment under a policy provision rather than full claim denial
Because of that, the insurer verifies date of birth carefully during underwriting and again at claim time if needed.
Practical example
A 39-year-old applicant applies for whole life coverage shortly before turning 40. If the insurer uses age nearest birthday and the applicant is closer to 40 than 39, the policy may be issued at entry age 40. That can raise the premium compared with a carrier using age last birthday.